International Surgeon Directory

BMI Calculator

Did not follow liquid diet 2 weeks before weight loss surgery

How will not following a liquid diet the 2 weeks before weight loss surgery affect my surgery? It surgery is scheduled for Monday, April 25.

I was on a week long field trip and was unable to take my protein drinks and all meals were preplanned with very, very limited selections. I am concerned with my liver size.

I am 48 and feel like I have gained weight instead of losing or maintaining prior to surgery. Our meals included an okay breakfast but lunch and dinner was delivered such as pizza, fried chicken strips, and other such foods.

Comments for Did not follow liquid diet 2 weeks before weight loss surgery

As you say, it's to reduce the size of your liver and make it easier to operate by keyhole surgery... I suppose like trying to find your way across a room with your eyes closed and find that the floor is littered with boxes you have to kick out of the way first.

But don't use that as an oh-what-the-heck reason for I'll-have-what-I-want-cos-it's-my-last-meal. They could refuse to carry out the procedure if your insides are stuffed to the gills and they judge that it represents a risk to you. Eat as little as you can between now and then but drink a lot of fluids, not just for the surgeon's sake, but because it helps to focus your mind on what you're doing. It's such a big step.

Lots of luck to you, and don't forget to come back to this website to report how you're getting on, and how the op went.

Lonicera The Bandit.

Apr 22, 2011

Your doc needs to knowby: mindy

Your liver shrinking is a very important part of your surgery. It can cause damage if it does not shrink and your liver gets nicked.

That being said, not all docs require 2 weeks liquids . Mine did not require any liquid diet. I have a few issues with this.

If you knew you could not follow the diet, did you tell your doc? Why not schedule the surgery for another time? At the very least, you need to tell your doctor you did not follow the diet.

Apr 22, 2011

Thank you!!!by: Renee

Thank you for your comments Lonicera and Mindy. I actually did tell the Resident doctor who saw me at the last visit before the field trip. I had not been concerned when I scheduled the surgery and field trip until I found out 3 weeks before the trip that they were limiting our luggage (number and size). I have stayed on the diet the last 2 days but have gained 4 pounds and feel extremely bloated. I did drink a lot of water on the trip but cannot figure out why I feel so bloated. Thanks again.

Apr 23, 2011

My 2 cents...by: Julie

I agree with the other girls. You need to let your surgeon know. There really is no continuity when it comes to pre-op orders. I had to do a 3 day liquid diet for my band, but I have a friend who is having a bypass in a month and doesn't need any sort of special diet beforehand.

As stated, the reason surgeons order this is so that your liver will not be too big. Keeping in mind that I am not a doctor, my best suggestion for you would be to stick to liquids this weekend.

Best of luck, hoping the surgery goes off as planned.

Apr 24, 2011

Not following liquid diet...by: Traci (Bariatric Life Coach)

My advice to you is just like the others before to make sure they know that prior to surgery.

Obviously your surgery is tomorrow but my advice to you is to let them know again when you get there.

If it was me I would rather have that conversation up front and have the surgeon tell me we needed to reschedule then get put under only to have my surgery aborted. There is no shame in being upfront and honest with your bariatric program.

Working in the field of bariatrics I see/hear about this daily and I truly encourage you as a patient and a professional be up front and honest. Do it for yourself! Look at this as being an advocate for you and starting this journey by being true to yourself.

I cheated twice one week before my sugery during my 2 week liquid diet and went right back to liquids. My Diet is in one week and I would like to know two things. The first being how long on average does it take to shrink one's liver and two how much risk did I put myself in to be aborted or change the form of operation completly.

Sincerely Anonymous

Sep 08, 2012

Liquid diet not requiredby: Joy

For those of you reading this trail of conversation facing a similar challenge; my surgery is upcoming.

I've been placed on a 1000 calorie per day diet. I can eat anything I want, but have a protein target I strive for each day, so count both calories and protein.

If you are traveling or away from home, count your calories, watch portion sizes and eat healthy. If you do this before surgery, you will not only lose weight, but be better prepared for dieting after surgery. Starting now is the first step to a better you for the rest of your life.

Nov 09, 2012

Questionby: Anonymous

I have cheated a few times my surgery is in 5 days I'm a bit worried should I re consider or stick to it for 5 days and hope for the best

Nov 28, 2012

Hiby: Anonymous

How did the surgery go? You know without the 2 weeks pre diet? I'm also not following mine for 2 weeks. Only 6 days

Jun 14, 2013

2centsby: jennlynn

I was never told to do the liquid diet before surgery. Only that i might want to try some of.the high protein liquid options to find what i prefer. I had a mildly enlarged liver prior, and i ate till the day before. Clear liquid only the day before, and 2oz of milk of magnesia at noon. Those were my orders. I dont know if there are special circumstances that would require the liquid diet ahead of time. But if there aret any, the the surgeon is just putting you up to a test to see if you are committed. Either way, i would follow the orders, because i have heard of surgeons calling off surgery up to the day of for noncompliance. Good luck, and brace yourself for after, the liquid diet isnt any easier with a small stomach.

Aug 01, 2013

milk diet by: Anonymous

Hi I have been on the milk diet for 6 days I am wondering if it is possible to change to the food diet as I feal very week. I have already lost a stone but lost all my energy with it.

Aug 18, 2013

VERY CONFUSEDby: TAMMY

I am going for the RNY gastric bypass ...and my dr. said just a diet that helped me in the passed to loss wight for 10 days to Two weeks but my sister did the RNY in march with a different dr. and she had to do the 2 week liquid diet....very confused I don't want this to go bad....can anyone out there help me....
Thanks,
Tammy

Sep 14, 2013

Day 1 & I'm LOSING it!by: TS

My R&Y is scheduled in 10 days, so today I begin my <1800 cal, low-carb (130-150g/day), high protein (40-60g/day) diet.
I've been psyching myself up for this, as I've been looking forward to surgery for almost a year & have hit snags along the way (changes in ins protocol/doc moving/new doc office hit by tornado, etc.
Also within this time frame, I've become a very proud gran! Last evening was the evening I had set aside to enjoy my last movie theater popcorn & a nice dinner, then shop for my new dietary needs, but my plans quickly became those of an emergency baby sitter, dinner ordered in & a rented movie...no time/room for shopping.
So, today, I'm drinking lots of water & trying to find acceptable thinks to eat &/or drink; it hasn't been easy & I'm so tempted to at least eat a decent dinner & start over tomorrow, as I'll be better equipped for it (hubby bought a few things after work today to start me off).
I really don't want to jeopardize myself, but I'm SO hungry!! Is 9 3/4 days not enough to shrink my liver?! Pleeeeeaaase!

Sep 15, 2013

Almost 2 weeks post-op.....did great....!!!!!by: Anonymous

I am 2 weeks post-op I had my surgery on Sept.4th it went great.....the dr. was wonderful...I loved him very kind and sweet and he did a great job....I stayed in the hosptil for 2 days was out by Sept.6th....I did a fat free diet and I was good to go...I am happy my Dr. said I did not have to do a loquid diet I did it for 1 day and got a very bad head aake

Oct 15, 2013

to new beginningsby: Neshelle

I am schedule for surgery for 10/21. i am so excited and do not want to anything to go wrong. I am not over eating but i am finding it hard to stick to the liquid diet. i love Pepsi and saltine crackers. i would eat that before i would eat a meal. since i stop eating these two things i am so hungry all the time. I believe i am also going through some kind of withdrawal because everybody is getting on my nerves. do anyone have any advice to help with these mood swings? it would be greatly appreciated.

good luck to everyone who are on their journey to change their life.

Oct 17, 2013

Shrinking Liverby: Anonymous

Maybe everyone's pre op diet is different because we are all different weights. ex: a 600 pound man certainly is going to have more of a fatty liver than say a woman who only weighs 250. Just a thought. I have to start my pre op in 2 weeks. I am scared to death of failing at it.

Nov 06, 2013

Cheat?by: Michael

I am concerned - while I realize this is an old thread - I wonder about the dedication to real and permanent weight loss any patient has when they "cheat" on a two-week pre-op diet that is designed to PROTECT YOUR LIFE!

Seriously - surgeons prescribe these restrictive diets for many reasons - here are just a few:
- shrink your liver (most important)
- reduce fat around your liver (next in importance)
- to help you get a start on the permanent changes that you must be willing to adopt to be truly successful.

I am not trying to be judgmental here, but I am a week and a half into my 2 week pre-op diet and it IS hard - but having a smooth surgery, with minimal complications, are very important to me. I have lost almost 12 lbs in the 10 days I have been on this liquid diet. It isn't fun. It isn't easy. But my success, both short and long-term are very important to me.

I am certain, if I could not go 2 weeks without violating doctor's orders, then I am setting myself up for failure (or much worse) post-op.

Nov 07, 2013

@ Michaelby: TS

1st, congrats on your upcoming surgery & for sticking to that liquid diet!
As I stated in my response, things went a bit haywire for the 1st day of my diet, but that's the only day I cheated. I managed to do well the rest of the time & my surgery was successful.
My doc said while my liver did shrink, it didn't shrink the way he'd wanted it to, but he was able to fold it so it'd be outta the way.

It's now been over a month since surgery &, since my pre-op appt, I've lost 60+#! My clothes are almost falling off me!

Not sticking to the 10 day doesn't necessarily mean not being able to stick to a new regime after surgery bc there are definitely times your body will tell you you're not doing right by it!
Personally, the LAST thing I wanted to do post-op was eat (drink) ANYTHING! I forced myself to stay hydrated, but that's about it, then I slowly regained my appetite. The less I consumed, the less I lost, as my body went into survival mode & held onto everything it could. I'm still not 100% w/the program, as I try eating the appropriate amt of protein n carbs, but I usually come up a bit short. I'm sure over time I'll continue to press on & hit my target goals, but the smell of some foods cooking makes me ill.

Good luck on your journey! Let us know how surgery goes! (I awoke in recovery very nauseous & kept saying I'd "never do that again!" which the nurses found amusing as they told me I couldn't. I said, if I could, I wouldn't... but seeing the results, I absolutely WOULD!)
1 thing I forced myself to do was, every time I got up to toilet, even in the wee hours of the night, I walked the hall (ironically, every time the doc came I was in bed & got stern reminders to walk...finally I was vindicated by a staffer who knew I walked at all hours; he took her word for it. LOL)

Jan 12, 2014

Surgery date change....by: Laurie

I just found out my surgery was moved from late February up to February 3rd. Just as well because too much of "this is the last time I'll ever have......game.. Let's get this party started!

Jan 14, 2014

Congratulations Laurie!!!by: TS

Laurie, I'm so very happy for you! Usually dates get pushed back, which can be very depressing.I also had it in my head that "this is the last time I'll ever eat..." & "well, I just want it one more time, to say goodbye."

But it doesn't have to be like that with EVERYTHING you love to eat. With some foods, it's "see ya later."

I look at recipes now & find where I can make changes that won't effect the taste too much. My problem was mainly my love of carbs & as long as I stay within my limits, I can still have a few bites of mash or mac n cheese, or even VERY lightly bread chicken etc with panko crumbs, spray it with Pam & oven-fry it (I'm also a "texture" eater; the crunchier, the better).

Once you're onto solids again, learning what you can eat is a game of trial & error-& something you had once & tolerated may not agree w/you next time. My rny was end of Sept & I'm STILL learning!)

I was dreading the holidays bc my faves were a big no-no, but my doc said I could experiment (even w/desserts), which was a real morale booster. So, I had my proteins & a few bites from my fave carbs (mashed potatoes, dressing, & broccoli casserole) & after that settled, my hubby (so I wouldn't go nuts w/portion size) got me a bit of pecan & pumpkin pie--I honestly thought I'd never eat that again!

I do "cheat" now & then & snag a few fries f/my hubby or eat a couple BWW boneless wings, & sometimes I pay the price. Just, now & during your recovery, look thru recipes & revamp your faves or go to pinterest & look up some new ones. I've got a board with recipes I've slightly altered or found on another's board. It's not all that bad, I promise, & some of your faves now may not be as appealing post-op.

Best of luck to you!!! (Oh, after surgery I found it helpful & comforting to have a heating pad on my abdomen-something nobody mentioned but ya may find useful.)

Jan 16, 2014

@ Laurieby: TS

Laurie, first of all, CONGRATS on your new surgery date!! Most often when a surgery is rescheduled it gets pushed back rather than moved up--LUCKY YOU!!

I also went through the whole "this is the last time I'll ever have ______" or "I wanna have ____ one more time to say goodbye to it" &, as my surgery was in late September, I was especially dreading those family holiday meals wit all those carbs (dressing, broccoli casserole, rolls & PIE--pecan & pumpkin are my faves).

Thankfully, at my post-op appt before the holidays, I was given the go-ahead to experiment with these foods --including desserts!!

I ate dinner off the dessert-sized paper plates & was very careful to get my protein in there first, I also made sure I only put a few bites of each of my faves on the plate, spacing em out do it looked like more than there was. I tolerated everything well &, after a reasonable intermission, my hubby got me a sliver (weren't big enough to be called "slices" LOL) each of my pies (I knew my eyes would DEFINITELY be bigger than my belly!). I ate them slowly & also tolerated them well.

So, don't get it in your head that you have to say "goodbye" to ALL your faves, some will just be "see ya later." I get on Pinterest & see recipes that make my mouth water, but due to certain ingredients/ nutritional contents, I think of how they can be altered to better fit the needs of us WLS patients, & post any additions/omissions in the comment section & that's basically what you'll need to do as you're able to eat a larger variety of foods--find ways to change it up a bit while keeping w/your new requirements; it'll make your transition a bit easier bc you won't feel so deprived of your favorites.

Best of luck to you!!

Jan 17, 2014

Thanks for so many wonderful pointers!by: Lorrie

TS thanks so much for your encouragement and advice. The heating pad is a nice tip for making recovery gentler.

Your input about food choices, and pitfalls to avoid, we're tremendously helpful! Thanks again so much!

Jan 24, 2014

Laurieby: TS

Laurie, you're very welcome! I now feel like an idiot bc I didn't think the 1st draft posted &, trying to cover my bases, wound up with two posts! :/

Anyway, I'm glad to be able to offer any tips to help you on your journey. There WILL be days you wonder why you had this surgery, but when those numbers on the scale are smaller & you're constantly fighting to keep your pants up as you're walking about--not to mention the thinner face looking back at you from the mirror, you'll see physical proof of just a few of the reasons you went through it & that, in turn, will keep you going!

It's been just over a year since I started the ball rolling by taking those 1st initial steps & I'm happy to say that I've got 5# to lose til I can say I've lost 100#!! (Some was lost prior to surgery.) This surgery has proven to be a wonderful tool & though I still have "those days" now & then, all I've gotta do is step on that scale (it used to be my enemy, but we've since become friends. LOL) I have no doubt your gonna see similar results after your procedure!!

Keep us updated!!

Jan 25, 2014

To "Anonymous" re "Cheating=no commitment"by: TS

I am with you 100%! Just bc some of us didn't strictly adhere to the 10-day pre-op diet does not necessarily mean we aren't committed to making the required changes post-op.

As I stated in an earlier post, when I was post-op, the LAST thing in the world I wanted was food! It's been 4months & I still get queasy at times when I see food on TV, think about food, & even more dreaded, actually enduring the sight/smells of food cooking/cooked.

I'll be the first to admit that I'm still not 100% compliant, but I allow myself the opportunity, within limits, to try certain foods to see how my body reacts to it--& of course, my husband & 1 of our sons constantly tell me I'm gonna stretch my stomach back out. 1.

I don't eat enough to stretch it back out & 2. 3 pieces of Panko-breaded fried shrimp aren't gonna kill me or undo the progress I've made. I think if I'm allowed- by my doc- to sample sweets during the holidays, 3 shrimp are gonna be fine, too.

I'm glad for the support, but there are boundaries & at times I feel more "ganged up on" than supported.

I had already gone thru the process of discerning emotional & bored eating from actual hunger & over the years, my weight gain was the result of many meds & not enough exercise, but I get that, in some way, we're all addicted to food. It's not something we can just go without.

So, a little noncompliance here & there doesn't mean you're not gonna be successful--as long as ya don't overdo it or indulge often. Your body WILL tell you when you shouldn't have eaten something, & as long as ya listen to it, I think you'll be fine.

I'm 3# from a 100# loss since I began this whole process & that's something I'm proud of & I'm NOT gonna do ANYTHING to jeopardize it. So, if ya see me enjoying 3 pieces of fried shrimp now & then, just leave it alone.

Best of luck to you.

Feb 10, 2014

to "3 Days out"by: TS

I'm so sorry I haven't been on here much lately, & couldn't offer any words of encouragement.
By now, you're just a few days post-op & I'm truly hoping all went well & according to plan.
Please let us know how everything went for you & anything you may have experienced but not expected with your procedure. Also, which procedure did you have?
Prayers & thoughts are with you as you begin your healing process! Just remember that the weight comes off at different rates for different ppl & you'll still hit a plateau here & there--don't get discouraged!

Hoping to hear back from ya,
TS

Feb 22, 2014

STRUGGLING LIKE MOST PEOPLE ON HERE WITH THE LIQUID DIET.by: Jules

Hi all

I am 15 days pre op (sleeve) and started my very strict liquid diet <1000 calories per day diet a few days ago. I managed 'ok' for 3 days. I was so hungry but coped. However I cheated last night with some chicken and tonight I am going out to dinner that cannot be avoided. I will try to be very careful of course and keep it low carb. But I was wondering if anybody can tell me why we have to have liquid diets as opposed to just low carb/fat and high protein? I have managed on a low carb/fat diet before for a period of time and almost enjoy it at times. Long term is a bit different, hence my weight problem. But what is the medical reason for liquid as opposed to solid or mushy pre-op? I have BMI just over 50 (I am currently 272 pounds, was 279 a few days ago.

Jules

Feb 22, 2014

Did not follow liquid diet pre-op thread.....by: Lorrie

Hi. I'm pretty sure there are a couple reasons
for the liquid diet. One is that it gets you used to way less calories, also it reflects your commitment to the idea of special diet, long term on what/when to eat. Weight loss lessens the chance that yr liver will be knicked or in the way during surgery . Best of luck and, the preop diet is completely the --to me- toughest time. It's the worst. After surgery, yr stomach is too sore to really want much, so gradually progressing from thin liquids to thicker to purée to solid seems like a little bit of a treat. I just keep thinking of the very tiny (because often a mouthful is all you'll be able to manage) but awesome piece of grilled chicken w veggies and a speck of wheat pasta will be incredible! Or maybe 3! Fried clams. Hang in there and follow what they tell you because there's usually a huge benefit to their directions. I lost 20 pounds in 20 days aft beginning the preop diet. YOU CAN DO THIS NO PROB!

Feb 22, 2014

preopby: Jim

I just kind of assumed the preop diet was just to show your commitment/compliance. My liver is already smaller than someone 100 pounds heavier than me, but they would be on the same 2 week regimine. Either way, its tough but I'll make it. I'm 10 days out, scheduled for march 4th, and I have been to the gym everyday for the last 2 weeks with the exception of the day I had my endoscopy, because I was advised not to, hitting the weights and doing roadwork. But man do I want pizza lol

Feb 23, 2014

Following preop dietby: Lorrie

The part about shrinking your liver relates to the percentage it shrinks in proportion to its normal position and size for each person. When the doctors blow up your abdomen with all that gas and insert those five or six portals to do the surgery they need all the room they can get. People have had surgeries cancelled if they haven't done the recommended amount of weight loss which allows for that and results in a much safe surgery. I think I read 15% smaller helps the surgery goes much more safely. So, it's not " liver size" per se. Compliance with the diet is usually supported through aftercare with support groups and weigh ins. Obviously someone's organs differ according to their size. That's not the reason for preop weight loss.

Feb 24, 2014

Jules & Jimby: TS

CONGRATULATIONS on those upcoming surgeries!!
The 10-day diet, as I was told by my surgeon, is, indeed, done to shrink the liver so it doesn't get nicked during surgery, and there are probably other reasons, but liver-shrinking was the main thing my doc stressed to me.
Jules, I'm not gonna say, "Go ahead, cheat.", but I cheated on day 1, mainly bc there was so much going on around that time that I didn't properly prepare for starting the diet; that's no excuse, I know, but there it is. Once I'd gone to shop & stocked up on all the sugar-free Jello, puddings, & popsicles I could, I stuck to the diet the remaining 9 days.
In my opinion, I don't think 2 small cheats is gonna do you in, but do stick with it as much as possible.
To both Jules & Jim, Y'ALL CAN DO THIS!!! (Yep, I said "y'all" but I'm an Okie, so it's ok LOL.) It seems like, while you're trying to stick to this diet, everyone around you is eating something you love, or it smells like heaven on a plate (& they usually are) but I always ate in another room, alone, so I didn't have to see/smell what they were having --maybe that would help y'all as well. I also like the butter pecan flavored Glucerna & I'd put it in the freezer until it was frozen to a slushy-type consistency; YUMMM! I felt like I was cheating, but wasn't. Try finding your own ways to cope with the temptations around you & keep repeating in your heads "I CAN DO THIS!" because you can!
It's been about 17 months since starting this process with the medically-supervised weight loss & I've lost 102# & my Type 2 diabetes, so it's absolutely worth sticking with it. Don't do anything that might jeopordize your surgery.
Best of luck to you both on those new lives that lie ahead for you, you're both gonna do GREAT!

Feb 26, 2014

supportby: determined in stl

I'm on a seven day liquid diet I did good the first day(yesterday) but today I had pizza. This is hard food is like an addiction. I'm determined to stick to the rest of the days my surgery is 3/4

Feb 28, 2014

Almost there trying not to cheatby: Cherita

I'm on day 4 of my 14 day pre-op liquid diet and it hasn't been to bad. I did good on day 1, on day 2 I ate one chip, on day 3 I did good, and today I ate 1 broccoli piece. I have to cook food for my children so it is extra hard to not want to taste the food. But, I have managed to do pretty good. My surgery date (sleeve) is March 10th. I am so excited. I really felt bad about the little mishaps and told myself that it wasn't even considered a serving. I can honestly say that it gets better each day, I didn't be as hungry as I was in the beginning and since I got to cook, I just want to taste it and then I am good. I have 10 more days to go and I will fight to not cheat by telling myself if I do my date will get pushed back and I definitely don't want that I have already be 9 months into everything. I'm glad I found this page it is encouraging and it lets me know that I am not along on this pre-op journey.

Mar 02, 2014

Pre opby: Lisa😜

Hi y'all my VSG is 3/12/14 statt weight 317 now 307 and I started my pre op diet on Feb 19th 3 weeks prior to VSG date my Dr. Have me instructions of 2 week pre op liquid diet 1 protein shake for breakfast 1 protein shake for lunch and salad w/ chicken , fish, eggs veggies for dinner fat free dressing or light dressing but only 2 table spoons on dressing. The first 4 days went great then I ate breakfast😳then I cheated 1 last time eating a due bites of a Ruben 😊I have 10 days my Dr. Sad keep to the 2 -3 protein shakes and salad for dinner we should be good however I did notice with cutting out 2 meals with protein I eat very little salad and feel FULL fast good luck everyone !!

Mar 05, 2014

Cherita & Lisaby: TS

WOW!! Your surgeries are both right around the corner!! Y'all must be so very excited to get to the next phase of this new journey in your lives!
Congratulations on making this decision & (for the most part) sticking with the pre-op diets your docs have you on!! I know how hard it gets, bc I've been there, but having lost 100+# since starting this process in 9/2012, all I can say is "It is SO worth it!!"
There are things I'm learning along the way that never came up in the doctors appointments or the required pre-op support group meeting, & it's not all pretty by any means,but I have to remember that my body has been altered to work differently than intended & doc assures me these issues are normal, for RNY pts, anyway--not saying you'll experience the same issues with sleeves, but just in case, a bit of advice from 1 who's kid of "winging it":
1. Get Gas-X strips. SO helpful when your much smaller tummy has a bit of gas buildup; with a now very limited space, ANY amt of gas is painful! Better to be prepared.
2. The smell upon passing gas may be much worse than ever, & as such, can be veryy embarrassing--even in the ladies room. I carry a trial sized body spray, so I can spare others & not be so embarrassed. A few spritzes & we're all happier. (This, I'm told, is my body finding out what it can tolerate &, though embarrassing, it's normal. 1 thing i can do to minimize this is keep a food journal & bodily reactions to help in future--this also works to find out what causes dumping syndrome for me.)
3. I'm having issues keeping my vitamin levels where they should be. I take my 2 gummie 1-a-days 2xs daily & do my B12 nasal spray once weekly. More supplements, along w/orders to eat 60g protein/day! But, these are the things some of us struggle w/post-op.
4. Diarrhea/Nausea. Again, my body figuring out what's ok/what's not. Food journal helpful here, too. The nausea, apparently normal for about 6mos post-op is caused by the part of my stomach that doesn't get food. The brain still releases enzymes that cause the "blind" stomach to secrete bile & digestive enzymes, thus causing nausea bc all that stuff is sloshing around w/nothing to do. My doc prescribed Reglan before meals & Protease, a pro biotic (as found in Activia & Greek yogurt) & phenergan for any problematic nausea.
5. This is gonna sound way gross, & I don't know if you'll experience it w/the sleeve, but...anal leakage. Also caused by certain foods & usually occurs when passing gas. I wear pads daily, just in case, bc it's been my experience that I can eat a food a couple times w/o incident & the next time...BAM!! & (OOOPS!). Food journals really haven't helped much here, but I'm doing em anyway!
Those are the most embarrassing problems I've noticed & hopefully y'all won't hafta deal with em.
Best of luck to you both on your surgeries. Keep us updated!!

Mar 05, 2014

RE "Support" by "determined in stl"by: TS (Tonya)

Determined in STL,
By now you've had your procedure & I just wanted to check that everything went well & you're on the path to healing. Aside from the pre-op diet (which most of us find excrutiating at first, but find that determination somewhere within ourselves), being immediately post-op is no piece of cake (sugar-free, of course ;) LOL).
We all tolerate pain differently & some handle it better than others. I'm hoping you're not having too bad a time with the pain & that your healing process is a quick one! Just remember that, while you must make sure to do some walking, don't overdo it; we don't want any setbacks.
If you're on a liquid diet right now & are bored with the few things we are permitted at this point, here's what I did to shake things up a bit:
1. When making my sugar-free Jello, I'd choose two flavors that complimented each other & mix them together, making flavors that suited my tastes, rather than the same old flavors off the grocers' shelves.
2. Pudding. 2% milk can be somewhat tasteless. I don't know if you have Braum's Ice Cream & Dairy stores near you, but if you do & haven't yet tried their 2% milk, now would be the perfect time! I've never been big on milk & always buy it at the grocers, but in a support group we were let in on a little secret: when removing the fat, quite a bit of lactose is also lost. Braum's replaces the lactose, giving their 2% that rich flavor, which makes anything you make with milk taste that much better. If you're lactose intolerant, you can use lactaid caplets or I've heard Almond & coconut milks are also pretty good (but I've not tried them yet).
3. Broths. I don't know how the broth was at your facility, but where I stayed, it was a Ramen seasoning packet & water--very salty & basically unbearable. If you're a cook, you know how easy it is to make your own. If not, place chicken (or other extra-lean meats) in a Dutch oven or stock pot & poach the meat with carrots, celery, onion (all veggies quartered), garlic, bay leaves, & salt & pepper to taste until the veggies are soft & meat is done. Remove everything from broth, keeping the meat separate & discard bay leaves. In a large bowl w/an immersion (stick) blender, blend a bit of broth w/ veggies to a puree, separate into single servings & add unflavored protein powder, then freeze the servings individually (those Ziplock bowls are amazing for this, as well as the Jello & puddings). The chicken can be used for your family's dinner, or puréed & frozen for the next phase of your diet.
Those things can all be made in bulk & refrigerated/frozen til ready to use.
Again, I hope all is well & that I've been able to give you some tips to help you along the way.
Keep us posted!

Mar 14, 2014

Im a cheater and feeling guiltyby: Anonymous

I am scheduled to have my surgery in 3 days. I was doing so good on my liquid diet...I have a history of stomach problems from diverticulitis to gallbladder disease (recently removed). I was so excited but the liquid diet is harder than I thought. I didn't feel like I was losing any weight. When most people go on the liquid diet they realize that they only eat out of boredom...but I realized I ONLY eat when im hungry. So I wake up today with hunger pangs so bad that I am hunched over...I ate a cup of mashed potatoes which immediately helped the pain. But now I am really worried that I may have jeaporadized my surgery...any advice?

Mar 15, 2014

Re: I cheated by: Cherita

Hopefully everything will be fine. Take some milk of magnesia and stay on your liquids for the next few days. I am 4 days post-op. It was really hard to try to eat anything and to try to keep up with drinking. Today I finally ate 2oz of soup (yay me). I felt really hungry a few times today and I was happy with that because prior too I had no appetite. My stomach is sore however not as bad as the days before. I have been trying to slack up on my pain meds because they keep me really sleepy (so far so good). I walk around my house a few times a day and I am now walking a lot faster. So far everything is going good. I did try a few pieces of my sister pepper steak and rice last night and it taste different. So, yes my taste buds will be different because pepper steak is one of my favorite foods.

Mar 19, 2014

I'm a cheaper & feeling guilty & Cherita post opby: TS (Tonya)

1st, Anonymous:
Most of us have cheated at one point or another during the liquid pre-op diet bc, well, bc it's HARD!!!! We're so accustomed to having food & when we're prepping for our surgeries most of us are told to go a WHOLE 2 WEEKS WITHOUT!
It's difficult enough to fast for 8-12 hours before most other procedures bc, let's face it, we almost always REALLY want what we're told we can't have.
But, if you keep to your liquids from here out, those few potatoes shouldn't set ya back too badly, if at all.
I cheated once (on Day 1) with a fried chicken dinner, then stuck to the diet after that & did very well. I'm not condoning or saying everything will be ok if you continue cheating, but we're all human & when the smell of food is wafting thru the house (or right beneath our noses if we're cooking) it has a way of showing us how strong our resolve truly is! Get rid of the guilt. It's an emotion ya don't need to carry around. Do your very best! As Cherita said, you're REALLY not gonna feel like eating for a bit post-op!

@ Cherita: CONGRATULATIONS!!! I'm so glad to hear the surgery went well & you're doing so great!! Yes, our taste buds & even sense of smell can change after surgery. I loved black pepper & can no longer eat it :( my stomach feels as if I've just had a Mar of jalapeños. Keep up the wonderful things you're doing & soon you'll have to shop for smaller clothes. (I think our drs offices should have some type of clothing swap. We could bring in our larger clothes, & rummage for smaller ones LOL just a thought.)

Sep 15, 2014

Pre-op diet :(NEWby: Cat

I am scheduled for my gastric sleeve surgery on September 23rd and I started my preop diet on the 9th... I have cheated 2 times, I know thats horrible but I am trying very hard. I stick to exactly what they want but the last 2 days I have eat grits one day and vanilla icecream today. A friend said the icecream is ok except 48 hours prior to surgery, I just haven't had a chance to check with my doctor. I still have 8 days till surgery, will i be ok??????

Sep 15, 2014

Pre-op diet :(NEWby: Cat

I am scheduled for my gastric sleeve surgery on September 23rd and I started my preop diet on the 9th... I have cheated 2 times, I know thats horrible but I am trying very hard. I stick to exactly what they want but the last 2 days I have eat grits one day and vanilla icecream today. A friend said the icecream is ok except 48 hours prior to surgery, I just haven't had a chance to check with my doctor. I still have 8 days till surgery, will i be ok??????

Nov 18, 2014

I just ate and my lap band surgery is tomorrowNEWby: Gypsie

I couldn't do it. I struggled with the 2 week liquid diet for the entire two weeks sticking to it for a few days and eating, sticking a few days and eating. I've lost 5 lbs altogether. In the mean time I had a MRI of my liver and it is "completely normal" according to my Gen Prac.
But today I was supposed to be on clear liquids and I didn't know it. The sheet for following the diet doesn't say that and I ate a lot today. My daughter is worried. Why do they ask people who already have a hard time controlling their eating to not eat! I'll tell the doc tomorrow that i ate and hope it's not a problem.

Nov 28, 2014

2 days outNEWby: Robyn

My surgery is in two days. Yesterday was Thanksgiving and i did pretty good. I was told high protein low carbs and givent he choice of liquid, or food or told I could do both as long as i kept it high protein low carb. My surgery was supposed to be 12/4 and on wednesday they called and moved it up to 12/1. I am very excited and scared. I was told to do the diet for one week preop which gave me until turkey day to start it and when they called I had to start immediately because it was less than a week already.

Dec 28, 2014

liquid for five day to bypassNEWby: Mrs.Babydoll

I have my surgery on the 30th of December, and I been on liquid since 8p.m. Christmas night, I'm so hungry and reading all the comments make me want to eat just a little , but I know afterthe ssurgery I want be able to eat chips or drink a soda, trying board to hang in there.

Jan 14, 2015

unsureNEWby: keishmoney

u really didnt want the surgery if your not gonna follow by the rules

Feb 07, 2015

It's so hardNEWby: Arica

My doctor put me on a 14 day liquid diet. My surgery was originally February 16. Then it got pushed up to February 11 so I did not do the full 2weeks. I told my doc and he said that's fine.

I am having a hard time trying to drink all that protein (70 grams / day). They are gross. But I am drinking anyway. I did eat a chicken breast with steamed broccoli last night as I got very dizzy and faint. I hope that was OK. I've read that some doctors allow you to eat a lean meat and veggies for lunch. Since I started the diet, 4 days ago, I've lost 5 pounds. Does anyone know if the lean meat and veggies are ok?

Feb 18, 2015

1/2 through my 2 week liquid dietNEWby: Lula

I am at day 7 of my mandatory liquid diet and I have lost 19 pounds. I prayed, prepared and only began getting a headache and real cravings today. I managed my cravings by drinking lots of water, making my own soups and having sugar free popsicles on hand in case I need them.

I manage to cook dinner for my kids with no temptation. I have mentally prepared and have a competetive goal to lose the most weight pre-op that my doctor has ever seen. I am ready.

I would encourage those who are about to begin to evaluate what works for you. Have your last meals before you begin this diet. I had seafood, burgers, pizza, alfredo and lots of junk food before. My fat habits are long gone and maybe that is what helped me prepare. I take my powders to work and discretely mix it in my shaker. I take some vitamins before I leave home every morning. My husband and friends are inspired and are wanting to do the same protein shake diet. I am encouraging them to find their own diet plan because I have to do this, they don't. They can eat a low cal meal and lose.

This is one of the hardest things I have ever done. But I, you, we can do it.

At some point your desire to transform can help you develop some mental toughness for this phase 1 of your life. If you have cheated, ok...start over and double up on water and get back on track. Just don't quit. You owe it to yourself to keep it pushing.

Feb 22, 2015

cheated on my 2week liquidNEWby: feeling like a loser

Hello all reading this feed has been good for me I cheated 3 days o my 2 week liquid. Reading this has helped me get back focused. I would love to say they were low carb high protein meals that I cheated but they weren't. There are 9 days left In my liquid diet and I'm hoping that me staying on it till the end will make the difference. Anyone know if the 9 days liquid for the sleeve will put me back on track?

Mar 21, 2015

PreopNEWby: MrsG

I'm on week 3 of a 4 week liquid diet prior to getting the Sleeve done. Yes it's HARD. I've lost 22lbs so far. I'm almost there. Yes I've cheated a bite here or there but trying really hard not to.

Mar 23, 2015

I LOVE this...I NEWby: Taborinni

Wow! I had my RNY March of 1999 so most of the pre-surgery and post surgery issues and tips, etc. are lost in a dim fog of memory. As such, I have thoroghly enjoyed reading these posts. I'm not sure what the Dates/Years these posts were written but it is great reading. Now you may wonder why I'm even reading here having had my bypass so far in the past? It's because I have been struggling with afferent loop syndrome (a condition that sometimes appears where an irritation or spasm affects the opening of one or more of the loops of intestines) and will be having that corrected and a possible revision of my original stomach pouch. Soooooo, I'm starting on the 2 week liquid diet tomorrow but I am so looking forward to it because it will mean relief from ALS (it can be horribly uncomfortable and even dangerous if left uncorrected). Anyway, I will let everyone know how things went for me.

Have a follow up question?

Please do NOT ask it on this page unless you ONLY want the original poster and other commenters on this page to be notified about it. To get feedback from a more diverse and broader range of current and prospective WLS patients, click here to post your question.

Did this page help you? Please Like, +1, Share or Comment...

Share...

Follow Us...

Search Bariatric Surgery Source...

Disclaimer: The information contained in this web site is provided for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as nor should be relied upon as medical advice. Rather, it is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his/her existing physician(s). Before you use any of the information provided in the site, you should seek the advice of a qualified medical, dietary, fitness or other appropriate professional.
Read More

Disclaimer: The information contained in this web site is provided for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as nor should be relied upon as medical advice. Rather, it is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his/her existing physician(s). Before you use any of the information provided in the site, you should seek the advice of a qualified medical, dietary, fitness or other appropriate professional.
Read More